Her Story
About Lorilee
I've been a nurse for 19 years. I started as a CNA in a nursing home and worked my way up through pediatrics ICU and neonatal care. I did case management for 8 years and diabetic education. I went back to school with three young kids at home, graduating associate's in 2008 from Baker College, bachelor's in 2022 from University of Olivet where my husband and I were the first couple to walk together in 100 years. I just got my DNP from Grand Valley State University. I work in correctional healthcare doing education for jail systems.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lorilee
01What do you attribute your success to?
My kids were my driving force. I started at the bottom as a CNA and worked my way up through every level to my doctorate. Having been through the basics gives me appreciation and understanding for my staff's roles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your passion. Don't let anybody define you, you define yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to have the passion to want to help people. If you're in it for the money, it is not the place to be. You have to have the Florence Nightingale mindset and compassion.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We're still seeing repercussions from COVID with burnout, PTSD, and staffing shortages. The job can feel thankless with more abusive and demanding patients. Regulations from insurance and the opioid crisis make providing quality care difficult.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and trust. Without trust and honesty, you can't get anywhere in practice or in life.
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